INSIGHTS Into Children’s Temperament (INSIGHTS) Program

https://steinhardt.nyu.edu/insights/

Initiative Description: INSIGHTS is a comprehensive intervention with teacher, parent, and classroom programs that work synergistically to support children’s ability to self-regulate by enhancing their attentional and behavioral repertoire.

After baseline data were collected, a random number table was used to randomize 11 schools to INSIGHTS and 11 schools to the attention-control. Half of the children participated in the INSIGHTS program (N = 225); the remaining child participants (N = 210) were enrolled in the attention-control condition. Approximately half of teachers (N = 57) participated in INSIGHTS program; remaining teachers (N = 65) were enrolled in the attention-control. Researchers and field staff were provided group training on all procedures and measures prior to each of the five data collection periods. Time 1 (T1) data were collected in the winter of the kindergarten year prior to 10 weeks of kindergarten intervention. Time 2 (T2) data were collected following intervention in the late spring. Time 3 (T3) data were collected in the fall of first grade prior to 10 weeks of intervention. Time 4 (T4) data were collected after the first grade intervention in the late winter of first grade, followed by Time 5 (T5) data in late spring.

Study Results: Children enrolled in INSIGHTs experienced growth in math and reading achievement and sustained attention that was significantly faster than that of children enrolled in the supplemental reading program.

Reference: Oconnor, E. E., Cappella, E., Mccormick, M. P., & Mcclowry, S. G. (2014). An examination of the efficacy of INSIGHTS in enhancing the academic and behavioral development of children in early grades. Journal of Educational Psychology,106(4), 1156-1169. doi:10.1037/a0036615

Level of Evidence: Excellent